The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), is seeking a tenure track assistant professor that can complement, enhance, and extend our existing strengths in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to fundamental problems in quantum materials and quantum many-body physics. This position will enhance UTK’s global leadership in the area of quantum materials research (https://quantummaterials.utk.edu/) including participation in the Center for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing (https://camm.utk.edu/), a NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. Our strengths are accentuated by proximity and collaborations with Oak Ridge National Lab which houses the world’s fastest supercomputer (Frontier), the DOE funded Quantum Science Center, as well as the world leading Spallation Neutron Source.

The successful candidate will be part of an ambitious interdisciplinary cluster hire in the area of Scientific AI (ScAI) involving researchers from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Industrial and Systems Engineering, as well as Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering. They will join a team of established and successful faculty with shared and complementary research interests in Scientific AI, and a strong desire to grow the scholarly and educational impact of their work. While the tenure home is expected to be Physics, a joint appointment in Chemistry or Mathematics is planned and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the departments. Recruitment into the ScAI cluster creates opportunities to build bold agendas that advance big ideas. For early career faculty, the cluster also offers a unique framework for professional development and mentorship within a rich transdisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate for this position has a collaborative mindset and prioritizes working with colleagues to realize shared research and educational achievements, including large-scale proposals, joint publications, and new transdisciplinary curricular programming. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant institution, UT is particularly interested in recruiting candidates who are deeply connected to the organizations and communities in which their work will have translational impact, as well as those who will contribute to a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

This position will commence on August 1, 2025, and review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024, continuing until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Alan Tennant at dtennant@utk.edu or Dr. Cristian Batista at cbatist2@utk.edu.

The ScAI cluster is part of the “It Takes a Volunteer” cluster hiring initiative at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville: https://provost.utk.edu/it-takes-a-volunteer-2023-2025-cluster-hiring-initiative/ . This initiative aims to establish a team of excellence in the science, mathematics, and optimization of AI to advance scientific and engineering applications, particularly in additive manufacturing and hypersonic defense systems. As an institutional priority, new hires will join a dynamic core group of scientific collaborators with complementary expertise and a shared commitment to building a national reputation for excellence and innovation in ScAI. Cluster members are expected to work collaboratively to enhance the University’s reputation in ScAI through joint grant proposals, publications, and the development of innovative curricular programs.

The selected applicant will also support and contribute to the AI TENNessee Initiative. The AI TENNessee Initiative is a new transdisciplinary research and education initiative focused on the State of Tennessee’s unique AI strengths and opportunities for innovation. Led by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this initiative is engaging with academic, industrial, and community partners across Tennessee to leverage the benefits of AI across all disciplines and economic sectors in areas such as AI for science, smart manufacturing, climate-smart agriculture and forestry, precision health and environment, and future mobility. Our goal is to improve lives through AI research and education. The mission of the AI Tennessee initiative is to: 1) advance cutting-edge fundamental and transdisciplinary AI research and creative activity across all disciplines to address important challenges; 2) expand the number of Tennessee students developing skills and core competencies in AI across many disciplines to prepare them for AI-enabled jobs of today and the future; and 3) partner with industry and institutions statewide to position Tennessee as a national and global leader in the data-intensive knowledge economy.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the flagship campus of the UT system, land-grant university, and a public Carnegie Research 1 institution. As an 1862 land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 36,000 students at its Knoxville campus. Under a united leadership across the UT system, university campuses, and colleges, UTK is undergoing transformational changes focused on solving some of the most audacious, pressing problems our country and world face today.

The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem surrounded by eight gorgeous lakes, with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene including internationally recognized festivals, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of diverse cultural and outdoor activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Atlanta, Nashville, Asheville, Charlotte, Louisville, and Cincinnati. It is only a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a population of more than 850,000 people.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A PhD or equivalent degree in Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics is required at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Contributions related to the application of Machine Learning to quantum materials, especially in physics, informed deep learning.
• Demonstrated strong research publication record.
• Potential for obtaining funding for the research programs, appropriate for the field of study. Potential for participation as a PI/co-PI/Senior Personnel in interdisciplinary teams supported by an external source.
• Effective, high-quality teaching skills, and ability to effectively mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Instructions

Applicants may submit the following materials to http://apply.interfolio.com/152972 (create position in interfolio):

• A Cover Letter to address why this position is of interest and their vision for this position.
• Curriculum vitae that includes research funding (if available) and publications, teaching experiences, honors, awards, employment, and education.
• Research Statement – The applicant should articulate a plan for setting up and carrying out an extramurally research program. Describing specific experiences or background of the applicant that will maximize the likelihood of success and external funding. A discussion of potential collaboration and alignment with the University of Tennessee’s ScAI cluster is essential. (Up to 3 pages)
• Teaching Statement – The applicant should discuss any relevant prior teaching experience and convey how they envision becoming an effective physics instructor in the department at different academic levels. (1-2 pages)
• Confidential Letters of Recommendation – Three (3) to be submitted through the Interfolio platform.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.